How does new, tougher rest rule impact the Timberwolves?
The NBA Board of Governors approved a new rule Wednesday aimed at curbing teams resting star players.
According to the new rule, teams will not be allowed to rest two star players in the same game. A star player is defined as a player who has made the All-Star or All-NBA team in any of the past three seasons.
Teams must ensure star players are available for national television games as well as in-season tournament games. The new rule stipulates that teams are to maintain a balance between road and home games missed, with the preference being that star players miss home games.
There are exceptions for players over the age of 35 on opening night, or players with career workloads of greater than 34,000 regular-season minutes or 1,000 regular-season and playoff games combined, according to ESPN.
So, how are the Wolves impacted by the new rule?
Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Conley have been named All-Stars or All-NBA within the last three seasons. Head coach Chris Finch will now only be allowed to rest one of those players during a game barring an injury.
Mike Conley is the only player who qualifies for the exemption as he turns 36 before the Oct. 25 season opener at Toronto.
